Which term indicates performing with flexible tempo and freedom?

• A. a piacere
• B. a prima vista
• C. Stretto
• D. Scherzo

Answer: (A)

A piacere means playing at pleasure, allowing tempo to float and guiding the expression rather than sticking to a strict metronome pace. This instruction invites you to loosen or push the tempo slightly for musical phrasing, giving you freedom to shape the music with rubato and nuance.

The other terms point to different ideas. a prima vista indicates sight-reading or performing music you’ve just read, not about tempo freedom. Stretto refers to closely spaced entries that accelerate within a passage, often making the texture tighter and tempo feel quicker. Scherzo denotes a playful, lively character and form, not specifically a freedom of tempo instruction.